Are deep sea aliens colonizing my cedar tree? How do we stop them from world domination!?

Relax! You are not witnessing a 1950’s monster birth or the arrival of an H. P. Lovecraft sea creature. This is a fungal fruiting body of Cedar Apple Rust. Cedar Apple rust is a multi-stage fungus, which means it needs two plant hosts to complete its life cycle. Want to take a guess at which two plants?

If you said cedar and apple, you are right on. If you didn’t it’s ok, fungi are confusing! Cedar Apple Rust looks intimidating and other worldly, but it is completely harmless to your cedar tree. If, however, you or a neighbor have any prized apple trees in the area, you will want to take steps to control this disease. This fungus can affect apple trees up to a mile away. Luckily there are steps you can take to minimize the damage.

If you are worried about cedar-apple rust affecting your area, or you just want to talk H. P. Lovecraft, send me a message on the contact page.